The MCRD Museum in San Diego shows the history of the Marines in California, and the history of the Marine Corps from 1921 to the present day.

Major galleries include: From Sea to Shining Sea: The California Campaign of the Mexican-American War, The Early Days (the construction of MCRD and history up until WWII), World War II, The Korean War, the Vietnam War, Operation Forward Deployed: The Marine Corps Since Vietnam, The History of Boot Camp, and Medals and Decorations.

Other highlights of the museum exhibits include two armories featuring weapons used by the Marines, their allies, and their enemies; the Waterhouse Gallery of artwork of the Marines in the Mexican-American War; a temporary exhibit gallery, currently showing the satellite exhibit From Presidio to Pacific Powerhouse; a recreation of an MCRD Squad Bay.

The museum maintains a reference center, comprised of an archives and a research library, which is free for patrons to use. The reference center contains photographs, newspapers, books, maps, cruise books and platoon books, manuscripts, and ephemera such as comic books, blood chits, menus, postcards, sheet music, etc.

The museum also has an education program designed to teach Marine Corps history, tradition, and values. Guided tours, classes, workshops are all free. The museum also offers free merit badge workshops for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Museum staff is happy to travel to local classrooms to teach and will gladly send curriculum to out of area educators.

The MCRD Museum Historical Foundation is a 501 C-3 that supports the MCRD Museum by fundraising and by providing volunteer support. The Foundation runs the museum gift shop.